On February 6, 2017, Missouri joined the ranks of right to work states, becoming the 28th in the nation to adopt such legislation. This significant development in the state’s labor landscape was the culmination of years of effort by Republican lawmakers and business groups, who argued that right to work laws would improve the state’s business climate and attract new employers.
Key Facts
- Right to Work Legislation: On August 28, 2017, Missouri’s right to work law went into effect. This legislation allows employees in unionized workplaces to opt out of joining a union or paying union dues if they choose to do so.
- Impact on Employers: The new law prohibits most employers, both public and private, from compelling employees to join or remain a union member as a condition of employment. It also prohibits requiring employees to pay dues, fees, assessments, or similar charges to a labor organization.
- Exemptions: The federal government, employers operating in federal enclaves (such as military bases), and those covered by the Railway Labor Act (such as airlines and railroads) are exempt from the law.
- Grandfather Clause: Existing contracts in place before August 28, 2017, are not affected by the new law. It only applies to collective bargaining agreements entered into after that date or those that are renewed, extended, or amended after the effective date.
The Right to Work Law
The Missouri Right to Work law, officially known as Senate Bill 19, was signed into law by Governor Eric Greitens (R) on February 6, 2017. The law went into effect on August 28, 2017, and it prohibits most employers, both public and private, from requiring employees to join or remain a union member as a condition of employment. It also prohibits employers from requiring employees to pay dues, fees, assessments, or similar charges to a labor organization.
Impact on Employers
The new law has had a significant impact on employers in Missouri. Many employers have revised their employment policies and procedures to comply with the law’s requirements. Some employers have also taken steps to educate their employees about their rights under the law.
Exemptions
There are a few exemptions to the Missouri Right to Work law. The federal government, employers operating in federal enclaves (such as military bases), and those covered by the Railway Labor Act (such as airlines and railroads) are exempt from the law.
Grandfather Clause
The law also includes a grandfather clause, which exempts existing contracts that were in place before August 28, 2017. The grandfather clause ensures that these contracts will not be affected by the new law.
Conclusion
The passage of the Missouri Right to Work law is a significant development for the state’s labor landscape. The law is expected to have a positive impact on the state’s business climate and attract new employers. It is also expected to lead to increased competition among unions for members.
Sources
- Missouri Becomes 28th Right to Work State
- Missouri Joins Ranks Of Right-To-Work States
- Missouri Voters Overturn Right to Work Law
FAQs
What is a right to work law?
A right to work law is a law that prohibits employers from requiring employees to join or remain a union member as a condition of employment. It also prohibits employers from requiring employees to pay dues, fees, assessments, or similar charges to a labor organization.
When did Missouri become a right to work state?
Missouri became a right to work state on August 28, 2017, when Senate Bill 19 went into effect.
What are the main provisions of Missouri’s right to work law?
The main provisions of Missouri’s right to work law are as follows:
- Employers cannot require employees to join or remain a union member as a condition of employment.
- Employers cannot require employees to pay dues, fees, assessments, or similar charges to a labor organization.
- The law does not apply to the federal government, employers operating in federal enclaves, or employers covered by the Railway Labor Act.
- Existing contracts that were in place before August 28, 2017, are not affected by the law.
What impact has Missouri’s right to work law had on the state’s economy?
Missouri’s right to work law is credited with helping to improve the state’s business climate and attract new employers. Since the law went into effect, Missouri has seen a significant increase in business investment and job creation.
What are the arguments for and against right to work laws?
Arguments for right to work laws:
- Right to work laws protect the rights of workers to choose whether or not to join a union.
- Right to work laws make it easier for businesses to operate in states with right to work laws, which can lead to increased investment and job creation.
Arguments against right to work laws:
- Right to work laws weaken unions and make it more difficult for them to represent workers.
- Right to work laws can lead to lower wages and benefits for workers.
What is the future of right to work laws in the United States?
The future of right to work laws in the United States is uncertain. Some states are considering adopting right to work laws, while other states are considering repealing their existing right to work laws. The outcome of these debates will determine the future of right to work laws in the United States.
Are there any other states that have right to work laws?
Yes, there are 27 other states that have right to work laws. These states are: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.